Molly Zebell, French Horn
Southwestern Michigan native Molly Zebell is a dedicated advocate for new and lesser known solo horn and chamber music and an active orchestral musician. She is currently performing as a member of the contemporary music ensemble NAT 28, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which strives to give the highest standard of performances of pieces both standard and new, but in evocative and innovative ways.
Molly Zebell began her formal music education at Western Michigan University, where she received her Bachelors of Music in French Horn Performance under the guidance of Dr. Lin Foulk. Molly discovered a wealth of contemporary and non-standard horn literature during her undergraduate studies and became passionate about exploring the full range of horn repertoire, with works such as the Reinecke Clarinet and Horn Trio and Hindemith’s Horn Quartet as examples. This led her to the studio of prominent horn and choral composer, Dr. Paul Basler at the University of Florida. There, she pursued a master's degree in Horn Performance with an emphasis on contemporary and 20th century recital repertoire, including Francois Poulenc’s Elegie, Yehuda Yannay’s “Hidden Melody” for Horn and Cello, and Primitive Modern for horn and tape by James Beckel.
While at the University of Florida, she served as Principal Horn of orchestras and bands, and was honored with the opportunity to perform in the school’s endowed graduate chamber music program. Other noted orchestral horn appointments include the Orlando Philharmonic, Ocala Symphony, and the Gainesville Orchestra. Her enthusiasm for inspiring children to pursue music in all its forms is evident in her masterclasses for children, showcasing the history of the horn and small folk instruments. She has enjoyed teaching beginning students in her private studio as well as serving as a sectional teacher at Howard Bishop Middle School.